This
versatile essential oil has a slightly floral aroma reminiscent of geranium and
is commonly referred to as East Indian Geranium oil. The rosy notes of
Palmarosa make it a frequent choice for adulterating the more expensive rose
oil. Traditionally, this oil was used in Indian medicine for the treatment of
infectious diseases and fevers as well as bacterial infections of the digestive
system. In today’s aromatherapy, it shines in its ability to support skin
issues. It also has a calming yet uplifting effect on the nervous system and is
terrific for boosting the immune system, and calming anxiety.

In
Vol 1, Issue 1 of the International Journal of Professional Holistic
Aromatherapy, a clinical case study was published regarding
a 53-year-old woman with chronic rosacea who was treated
with Palmarosa essential oil
.

The
Aromatherapist who worked with this client cited that her reason for Palmarosa
was because it is known to contain a high percentage of the chemical component,
geraniol. Research has shown geraniol to be anti-inflammatory, antibacterial,
anti-fungal and cooling to the skin; all very suitable properties for
addressing rosacea. Further, this component has relaxing and central nervous
system calming properties that would help the stress that was adding to her
skin issues.

The Aromatherapist chose a batch of Palmarosa that contained 75% geraniol as
indicated on the GC/MS analysis for that batch of essential oil, with organic
Jojoba wax as a carrier. Jojoba is considered to have mild anti-inflammatory
properties and a molecular structure that closely resembles our natural sebum,
making it a nice alternative to lotion or vegetable oils.

The client used a mixture of 6 drops of Palmarosa in one ounce
of jojoba for seven nights , and her condition improved visibly after just one
week.
After
two weeks the client felt sure it was the Palmarosa and Jojoba blend that was
helping reduce her rosacea and was delighted to have found a natural remedy for
her dilemma.

ESSENTIAL
OIL PROFILE

Botanical
Name:
Cymbopogon martini var. motia

Plant
Family:
Poaceae

Origin
of Growth:
Palmarosa is native to Pakistan and India, although it is also cultivated in
Brazil, Africa, and Indonesia.

Typical
Chemical Constituents:
Palmarosa is high in Monoterpenols 80-95%, primarily
geraniol at 70-85%. This high geraniol content is what contributes to this
oil’s antifungal, antibacterial and cooling properties.

Liz brings 27 years of essential oil
experience, research and education to her work as a Clinical Aromatherapist and
Educator. Her passion is empowering others to become creatively inspired by
essential oils and hydrosols and to follow their dream of becoming successful
Aromatherapists.

She has served as the Pennsylvania Regional Director for the National
Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (
www.naha.org)
for 18 years and is the owner of the Aromatic Wisdom Institute.

You can hear Liz on iTunes on her popular
“Aromatic Wisdom Podcast” where she shares practical and informative
aromatherapy information. To listen go to